How to Save iMovie as MOV Using Built-in & Converter Tools

I just upgraded to iMovie 10.0.5, but I found out that I cannot export to MOV format anymore. Please help!

iMovie is the video editor released by Apple for macOS with continuous updates. Many users have faced the same issue after receiving a software update. In older iMovie versions, it allows saving videos in the MOV format. However, starting iMovie 10.0.5, it exports files in MP4 format by default. But for many users, MOV is their preferred format for editing and preserving high-quality videos. This article will talk about how to save iMovie as MOV using the built-in Share feature. We will also show you how to convert your already-exported projects to MOV with ease.

Why iMovie No Longer Exports MOV (and How to Get Around It)

What Changed in New iMovie Versions

Because of recent changes, iMovie no longer exports MOV files natively as it used to. Instead, it defaults to MP4. To export your iMovie projects in MOV format, select the Best (ProRes) settings. If you choose High or another option, you will get an MP4 file.

MOV vs MP4: Which Should You Use for Your Project?

Use MOV if you plan to transfer your projects to macOS video editing software, such as Final Cut Pro. However, opt for MP4 if you are uploading videos on social media platforms. MP4 files are also compatible for playback on Windows and Android devices. Know more about MOV vs MP4 in this guide to fill yourself with more ideas.

Method 1 – Use iMovie's Built-in Share Feature (Free, Best Quality)

Firstly, is the new version of iMovie able to save projects as MOV files? The answer is yes. However, iMovie 10 made MOV export option hidden. Therefore, many users do not understand how to find it. Don’t worry! The steps are below.

1. Open iMovie from the Applications folder, then create a new project or open an existing one. After editing, go to the File menu on the top menu bar, choose Share, and select File. Or click Share in the upper-right corner and choose Export File.

2. Then you will get the File dialog. By default, iMovie saves the project as an MP4. However, you can change it by adjusting the Quality export settings. Select the Best (ProsRes) option from the Quality picker, then click Next to save iMovie as a MOV.

iMovie does not have a direct Save As option to export projects in QuickTime MOV format. Instead, it automatically shifts to MOV whenever you export a project using the Best (ProRes) option. This hidden technique makes the conversion a lot quicker and easier.

Method 2 – AnyMP4 Video Converter Ultimate (For Already-Exported Projects)

If you have shared the file as an MP4, you can still export iMovie to MOV using AnyMP4 Video Converter Ultimate. Regardless of the format you need, this software can make iMovie 10 export changes. With it, you can convert already-exported projects to MOV, ProRes, MP4, and 500+ other formats. Besides, you can choose a quality preset that does not change the selected format. You can choose 4K, HD 1080p, HD 720p, SD 480p, and even 3D presets. But what makes it truly notable for advanced users is the batch conversion support. It enables you to convert more than 100+ iMovie files simultaneously at 120× faster speed.

How to Convert iMovie MP4 Output to MOV

1. Add iMovie Projects

Run the iMovie-to-MOV converter if you decide to save some projects as MOV files. Click the Add Files menu to add all projects that you wish to convert. The software can handle multiple videos at once. Alternatively, drag and drop iMovie projects into the interface.

2. Set Output Format to MOV

After the video loads, it will show up in the library panel. Next, click the Output Format menu to activate the format picker. Go to the Video category, select MOV from the left column, and pick the right preset. If you want to change resolution, frame rate, and other parameters, click the Gear button. Click a blank area to go back to the interface.

3. Save iMovie to MOV in Batch

Move to the bottom left side, hit Folder, and set a proper destination folder. Finally, make sure to check all projects in the library area and click the Convert All button. The iMovie will be saved as MOV immediately.

To evaluate AnyMP4’s speed, quality, and batch conversion support, we import a 17.84 GB 1080p iMovie project, totaling 95 videos. In our test, with Hardware Acceleration and 120× Faster Conversion enabled, it took only 3 minutes and 57 seconds to convert iMovie projects to MOV. To maintain the original quality, we use the Same as Source quality preset.

Method 3 – Free Alternative: HandBrake (Open-Source)

If you are looking for a budget tool and are comfortable using open-source tools, HandBrake is a good choice. It is an established open-source video transcoder that can export iMovie to MOV for free. However, if you’re concerned about quality, it can slightly degrade after export.

1. Open HandBrake and click Open Source to select the Apple iMovie format you export. Choose Folder (Batch Scan) to add multiple files or File to load a single project..

2. Go to the Summary tab and set MOV as the output format in the Format drop-down list. Select a new destination folder and click Start Encode to convert with HandBrake.

During our test with HandBrake, the process is actually easy. I liked the interface's layout because each option is clearly labeled, though it may be technical for beginners. However, we found out that it always re-encodes the files, which affects the final output quality.

FAQs About Saving iMovie as MOV

Conclusion

You are now equipped with the three best methods on how to save iMovie as MOV. While the newer version of iMovie no longer exports MOV format directly, you can still save your projects using several methods. If you still have access to the original project, exporting it as Best (ProRes) using the built-in Share feature is the best choice. But if you have already exported the projects as MP4, not MOV, you can go with AnyMP4 Video Converter Ultimate and HandBrake.